Observations focused on the problems of an underdeveloped country, Venezuela, with some serendipity about the world (orchids, techs, science, investments, politics) at large. A famous Venezuelan, Juan Pablo Perez Alfonzo, referred to oil as the devil's excrement. For countries, easy wealth appears indeed to be the sure path to failure. Venezuela might be a clear example of that.

Tomorrow will be the first day for people to ratify or repair their sinature for the petitions to recall both pro-Chavez and opposition Deputies to the National Assembly. Unfortunately it has been raining a lot in the last few days which threatens to make the job more difficult. It would be a pity if the process is hampered by the weather. The process will last three days. Next week, the process for the signatures for the petition to recall Hugo Chavez will take place on the same days of the week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully tomorrow the sun will shine, but it does not look very good short term.

Tomorrow will be the first day for people to ratify or repair their sinature for the petitions to recall both pro-Chavez and opposition Deputies to the National Assembly. Unfortunately it has been raining a lot in the last few days which threatens to make the job more difficult. It would be a pity if the process is hampered by the weather. The process will last three days. Next week, the process for the signatures for the petition to recall Hugo Chavez will take place on the same days of the week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully tomorrow the sun will shine, but it does not look very good short term.

El Foro por la Vida, a coalition of human rights organizations condemned today the threats on the life of Liliana Ortega. Ortega, the Head of COFAVIC has been receiving threats and pamphlets against her have been thrown at the entrance of the building where that organization has her office. The pamphlets say “Am I getting paid to defend the rights of the crooks from the opposition” and say “May she rest in peace”.

Ortega is one of the leading fighters against human rights violations in Venezuela and has done, in my opinion, an incredible and consistent job over the last fifteen years.

El Foro por la Vida, a coalition of human rights organizations condemned today the threats on the life of Liliana Ortega. Ortega, the Head of COFAVIC has been receiving threats and pamphlets against her have been thrown at the entrance of the building where that organization has her office. The pamphlets say “Am I getting paid to defend the rights of the crooks from the opposition” and say “May she rest in peace”.

Ortega is one of the leading fighters against human rights violations in Venezuela and has done, in my opinion, an incredible and consistent job over the last fifteen years.